Tour Scott McGillivray's Family Home in Ontario

HGTV takes you on a tour of the family-focused space in Canada that Vacation House Rule's Scott McGillivray calls home.

By: Ellie Sanders

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Photo By: JOHNNY C.Y. LAM

Photo By: Gillian Jackson

Scott McGillivray's Home Sweet Home

If you know Scott McGillivray of Vacation House Rules, you know he's not only a skilled contractor but a real estate expert and a house-flipping aficionado, too. The man can do it all. So it's no surprise the place he calls home is filled with state-of-the-art finishes, pretty-and-practical build-outs and thoughtful designs. We know you want to take a look around.

Indoor-Outdoor Living, Ontario-Style

Warm weather months in Ontario are limited, but Scott and his family knew building a dedicated outdoor living area was a must. "When we were planning our backyard, we felt it was important to create a space that we could use as much of the year as possible," Scott says. The covered terrace boasts a stunning wood-paneled ceiling (complete with skylights!), which hovers over a large dining table perfect for alfresco family gatherings.

see more: 12 House Flipping Tips From Scott McGillivray, Host of 'Vacation House Rules'

From: Scott McGillivray

Living Large in the Great Outdoors

With separate spaces to eat, lounge and play, there's nothing Scott didn't consider while designing the terrace. He even added a stone fireplace so friends and family could enjoy the outdoor room no matter the temperature. "It's a huge bonus," Scott says. Talk about something we didn't know we needed, but don't want to live without.

see more: The Transformation of Scott McGillivray

From: Scott McGillivray

The Heart of the Home

As is the case for most families, Scott's kitchen is the heart of his family's home. He knew it was essential to have an eat-in kitchen with ample prep space that didn't compromise his open-concept design. The best part? Double islands. "We had the space for two islands, so we decided to go for it, and I'm so glad we did," he says.

From: Scott McGillivray

New Kind of Island Living

This is what we like to call "island living" done right. Even though Scott and his wife, Sabrina, each have their own office spaces, the double islands often act as a joint office space — the perfect place to work or pay household bills together. Scott notes, "The extra space means we can spread out without getting in the way of any food prep that might be going on."

From: Scott McGillivray

Everything In Its Place

Everyone loves a catch-all room, and Scott is no exception. Although this is the first home he's ever lived with a dedicated mudroom, he says he's never going back. "This is where the kids drop their coats, shoes, bags and all the other stuff kids seem to bring with them," he says. His family also leaves notes and reminders in this room to ensure they have everything they need before they leave the house. Scott really is the king of pretty and practical.

From: Scott McGillivray

Working From Home Just Leveled Up

Although he frequently flexes his construction muscles, don't be fooled — Scott has an impeccable eye for design. Take his office, for example. "My office was a true labor of love," he says. "I wanted to do something a bit different, so I decided to lay a penny floor." Installing the flooring was a massive undertaking, but it became a family affair when his kids joined in to help him complete the look. "We made sure to include an area with pennies from years that are special to our family. So while it’s impressive to look at, it also has a lot of special meaning for us."

see more: Vacation House Rules: A Rustic Retreat and a Puppy Paradise

From: Scott McGillivray

A Crafter Aficionado's Dream

Scott's wife's happy place is what our hot glue-and-glitter-filled dreams are made of. Sabrina is a kindergarten teacher, so having a space to work and prep craft projects for her students was something she always wanted. "She loves this room — and our kids do, too!" says Scott.

From: Scott McGillivray

Rest and Relaxation Found Here

Because Scott and Sabrina both have very demanding jobs — and two very active daughters — they wanted the main bedroom to be a place where they could relax and unwind after a busy day. To achieve this, Scott chose light, neutral colors and soft fabrics. "The minute I set foot in the door I feel more relaxed," he says.

From: Scott McGillivray

The Imaginative Playroom

"Our whole house felt like a playroom," Scott says of the family's old home. Naturally, when building their new one, a dedicated playroom was at the top of the list. Color, texture and clever storage solutions fill the room, giving the girls a perfectly imaginative space. There's one thing we know for sure, when it comes to home design, Scott does it all, and he does it well.

From: Scott McGillivray

Vacation House Rules

Tour Scott McGillivray's Family Home in Ontario

Related To:

Shop This Look

Scott McGillivray's Home Sweet Home

Indoor-Outdoor Living, Ontario-Style

Living Large in the Great Outdoors

The Heart of the Home

New Kind of Island Living

Everything In Its Place

Working From Home Just Leveled Up

A Crafter Aficionado's Dream

Rest and Relaxation Found Here

The Imaginative Playroom

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